In a bid to make public schools more accountable, the government is planning to form an education committee at the local level.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in a draft amendment to the Education Act 1971 has proposed forming village education committees and municipal education committees across the country.“These committees shall monitor management and other activities of public schools,” states the draft amendment. The committee would be led by an elected VDC chairman or municipality chief. In absence of elected official, an official deputed by the government would head the committee, the draft adds.

School management committees, which are currently responsible for managing the affairs of public schools, have drawn controversy for direct involvement of members in corruption, said joint secretary at the ministry Hari Lamsal.

“To make the schools more accountable, locals also have a role to play,” he added.   

Each committee would have eight members, including officials from the District Development Committee, local social activist and at least a headmaster of the local unit. Likewise, resource persons, school inspector and member representing the marginalized community would also be included in the committee.

Some of the I/NGOs have already set up such committees to improve quality of education in public schools.

source: republica,2 dec 2014